Controller (hybrid)

NiSource•Columbus, OH

35d•Hybrid

About The Position

Controller Job Summary The Columbia Controller and Director of Plant Accounting is responsible for providing NiSource leadership with analysis, strategic advice and recommendations on Columbia operational, capital, and regulatory matters and the oversight of the accounting for fixed assets for all of NiSource. This leader effectively plans, organizes and directs the financial statement preparation and reporting; cash management activities; and regulatory filings, testimony and initiatives to provide value added services to both internal and external service providers, as well as accurate, supportable data to state and federal commissions. This role oversees and promotes a culture of developing and empowering employees through continuous improvement initiatives and growth projects. Essential Functions Manage a multi-talented team, including conducting performance evaluations and facilitating staff professional development at all levels. Direct the development and consistent application of accounting procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory accounting requirements. Oversee a timely and accurate monthly close, financial statement preparation, management reporting and regulatory filings including state commission filings. Work with Construction and Operations teams across the company to understand the nature of activities being performed and the appropriate accounting treatment. Partner with corporate accounting and consolidation to facilitate consolidated NiSource reporting including SEC reporting (preparation of consolidated financial statements and disclosures and Management Discussion and Analysis), quarterly and monthly results variance analysis and other corporate consolidated activities. Collaborate with state operating company Presidents, Finance teams and other key stakeholders to maximize value and support regulatory initiatives. Collaborate with centralized accounting functions on accounting matters including any stand-alone GAAP financial statements, if any. Prepare and provide support for pre-filed regulatory testimony, discovery requests and commission audits. Support rate case preparation, regulatory strategy and settlement discussions. Recommend and facilitate process improvements to ensure efficient and effective use of the financial systems. Responsible for compliance with SOX controls and providing audit support and responses to both internal and external auditors. Drive process improvement initiatives for more efficient and effective accounting processes. Provide leadership, transparency and training on Columbia company financial results

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree accounting, finance or other business discipline from an accredited college/university.
Proven management / leadership experience
Experience working closely with executive level management
Requires demonstrated ability to be self-sufficient and self-motivated
Requires ability to successfully lead and coordinate projects and teams, as well as gain consensus and drive change across the organization.
Requires strong interpersonal and communications skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to effectively collaborate, influence and appropriately engage stakeholders across all levels of the organization, including executive level reporting.
Requires proven ability to provide expert technical advice to others in an accurate, timely and understandable manner.
Requires demonstrated proficiency in multiple functions, as well as successful assumption of increasingly technical projects and responsibilities.
Background in public accounting
Knowledge of SEC reporting requirements
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Upon Hire
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public utility accounting and finance
MBA
Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and other financial systems
10+ years of relevant work experience in accounting or finance.

Responsibilities

Manage a multi-talented team, including conducting performance evaluations and facilitating staff professional development at all levels.
Direct the development and consistent application of accounting procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory accounting requirements.
Oversee a timely and accurate monthly close, financial statement preparation, management reporting and regulatory filings including state commission filings.
Work with Construction and Operations teams across the company to understand the nature of activities being performed and the appropriate accounting treatment.
Partner with corporate accounting and consolidation to facilitate consolidated NiSource reporting including SEC reporting (preparation of consolidated financial statements and disclosures and Management Discussion and Analysis), quarterly and monthly results variance analysis and other corporate consolidated activities.
Collaborate with state operating company Presidents, Finance teams and other key stakeholders to maximize value and support regulatory initiatives.
Collaborate with centralized accounting functions on accounting matters including any stand-alone GAAP financial statements, if any.
Prepare and provide support for pre-filed regulatory testimony, discovery requests and commission audits.
Support rate case preparation, regulatory strategy and settlement discussions.
Recommend and facilitate process improvements to ensure efficient and effective use of the financial systems.
Responsible for compliance with SOX controls and providing audit support and responses to both internal and external auditors.
Drive process improvement initiatives for more efficient and effective accounting processes.
Provide leadership, transparency and training on Columbia company financial results